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CIM BIOETHICS & ISLAM MASTERCLASS 3

Genetics, ethics and faith: chance, choice or responsibility?

Booking deadline: 28th March 2018

About the theme:

Since the launch of the Human Genome Project in 1990, scientists are now able to read the entire human genome (2003), and are developing increasingly precise technologies for editing the genome, such as Crispr-cas9 (2012). With over 10,000 human diseases caused by faults in single genes, gene editing techniques promise therapies for curing such diseases, as well as the potential elimination of these diseases through germline gene editing. Such techniques, however, have potential applications beyond therapy to enhancement, raising a plethora of ethical concerns.

What role does genetic information play in how we define health and future possibilities? What is the significance of epigenetics? Is gene editing for therapeutic purposes a moral responsibility to those who suffer from genetic diseases, and for preventing the suffering of future generations? What are the boundaries between therapy and enhancement? Does the knowledge and possibility of editing the human genome necessitate that we act upon this? Gene-editing technologies carry risks and potential harms, some of which may be unknown for decades to come. How can we ensure that the field of genetics is mindful of the dark history and potential of eugenics? Where should such discussions take place and who needs to contibute to the dialogue?

In the context of faith, what are the benefits, harms and risks that ought to be considered when navigating the field of genetics and making choices on what gene editing has to offer? What distinct ethico-legal, theological and philosophical concerns have Muslim religious scholars raised in their deliberations on gene editing technologies, and how does an understanding of the human person impact our aspirations for genetic modifications for improving the human species? Are we playing God or is this the next step in our evolution?

Presenters include:

Dr Aysha Divan (University of Leeds)

Dr Ayman Shabana (Georgetown University, Qatar)

Mufti Zubair Butt (Al-Qalam, Bradford Hospital Chaplain)

Dr Ismail Lala (University of Oxford, Darul Uloom, Bury)

Arzoo Ahmed (CIM, King's College London)

Book your place today, whether to attend in person, livestream online, or have recorded access after the event. Bursaries are available on application for those who would otherwise be unable to attend without financial support. Please email: masterclasses@thecim.org.uk to request a bursary application form.

ABOUT THE BIOETHICS & ISLAM MASTERCLASSES

The Bioethics & Islam Masterclasses is an interdisciplinary programme of learning and engagement where a team of experts explore faith-based ethical perspectives on how to think about and navigate biomedical advances and their practical, moral and spiritual implications.

WHO IS THIS PROGRAMME FOR?

This programme is aimed at patients, healthcare professionals, scholars, academics, chaplains, community advocates, policy specialists and students. We welcome anyone with an interest in themes related to ethics, healthcare, and faith.

WHY ISLAM & BIOETHICS?

A growing number of Muslim patients and practitioners face complex decisions in clinical and research settings. The overwhelming array of biomedical diagnostic tools, treatment options and spectra of care pathways offer choice, therapy and longevity. These interventions and their outcomes also present complex ethico-legal challenges to notions of personhood, health, illness and spirituality, and whether the interventions are compatible with Islamic ethics and values. This course offers a space for participants to discuss complex issues within bioethics in an interdisciplinary learning environment, and to contribute to future research and development in this field.

THEMES & DATES

CLASS 1: 17TH APRIL 2017, LONDON

Islamic ethics and law: sources, methodology and their application to the field of bioethics

Defining health and illness in Islam and medicine: understanding mental health and well-being

CLASS 5: TBC

Defining death and the process of dying: end of life and organ donation

CLASS 6: TBC

Competing interests when caring for the patient: values, policy and practice

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course surveys definitions, explanations and an analysis of the constituents of ethical reasoning, distinct to the law, as formulated and practiced in the Islamic tradition. An overview of the historical developments and future challenges for themes in Islamic bioethics will be covered, delineating the role of producers and consumers in this field and the challenges they face as they navigate knowledge, language and authority in everyday bioethical dilemmas.

COURSE OUTCOMES

Identify and define the sources, language, producers and consumers of bioethics.

Develop a toolkit to identify and apply, through case studies, ethical principles and theories.

Discuss and analyse the emerging methodological challenges within the field of Islamic bioethics, demonstrating the need for collaborative knowledge-production.

Engage in an interdisciplinary exchange with practitioners, scholars, chaplains, academics and policy specialists.

Join a community of diverse professionals and collaborate on future research and projects.